Abu Dhabi to host ‘100 Years of Bollywood: The Musical’ for the first time
Two-hour production arrives after sold-out performances in Dubai
ABU DHABI – A century of Bollywood music, spanning generations of singers, composers and cinematic eras, will come alive on stage in Abu Dhabi next month as Malhaar and Botim present “100 Years of Bollywood: The Musical” at the Cultural Foundation Theatre, Qasr Al Hosn.
The production, scheduled for Friday, June 5 at 7:30pm, marks Malhaar’s first large-scale theatrical presentation in the UAE capital after attracting sold-out audiences in Dubai. Presented under the patronage of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi and the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi, the two-hour musical promises an immersive celebration of Hindi film music through live vocals, choreography, storytelling and visual design.
Bringing together more than 40 performers, the production aims to transport audiences across decades of cinematic history, revisiting the songs, sounds and stories that have defined Bollywood for generations.
Cultural exchange
For its Abu Dhabi debut, the production will feature an exclusive new segment exploring the influence of Arabic musical traditions on some of Bollywood’s most iconic compositions. The addition shines a spotlight on the artistic exchange that has shaped popular music across the region for decades and reflects the cultural ties shared by Indian and Arab audiences.
“The UAE has been our second home, and Abu Dhabi holds a special place in our journey,” said Jogiraj Sikidar, Founder and Director of Malhaar.
“After the overwhelming response in Dubai, we are delighted to bring this production to Abu Dhabi for the first time. We wanted to create something unique for the capital, and the Arabic-Bollywood segment reflects the deep artistic connections that have long existed between Indian and Arab musical traditions.”
The show traces Bollywood’s musical evolution from the black-and-white era of Indian cinema to the present day. Audiences will travel through the golden age of film music, the rise of the ‘angry young man’ era, the disco years, the romance-driven soundtracks of the 1990s and the globally influenced sounds of contemporary cinema.
A century on stage
Directed by Kevin Oliver, a respected figure in the UAE’s performing arts and entertainment sector, the production seeks to tell the story of Bollywood through music rather than simply presenting a collection of well-known songs.
“Bringing together music, dance, visuals and narrative to represent nearly 100 years of cinema has been both challenging and rewarding,” Oliver said. “The goal was not simply to present a collection of songs, but to create a story that audiences can travel through. Each musical era represents a moment in the social and cultural history of Indian cinema.”
Extensive research formed the foundation of the production. Bollywood music historian Girish Shah and researcher Ushma Shah Jasuja worked closely with the creative team to distil a vast musical legacy into a cohesive theatrical experience that balances historical context with audience familiarity.
“The history of Hindi film music is remarkably rich and diverse,” said Kruti Shah, Founding Partner of Malhaar. “We spent months researching, curating and refining the material to ensure that the production reflects both the artistic evolution of Bollywood and the emotional connection audiences have with these songs.”
Music and movement
A defining feature of the show is its large-scale musical arrangement. Lead vocalists, a live ensemble and a choir will perform specially crafted harmonies designed to reinterpret beloved songs while preserving their original character and emotional appeal.
Dance plays an equally important role in the production. Choreography has been created by acclaimed Kathak artist and choreographer Vaishali Mhaisalkar of Tapasya Centre for Performing Arts, blending classical, folk and contemporary styles to mirror the changing face of Bollywood across different eras.
The repertoire spans some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable musical moments, ranging from timeless classics such as Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya from Mughal-e-Azam and Kahe Chhed Chhed Mohe from Devdas to celebrated ghazals, folk-inspired favourites and globally recognised hits including Jai Ho.
Malhaar is one of the UAE’s leading performing arts institutions, dedicated to promoting Indian music, dance and cultural heritage through education, performance and community engagement. Through concerts, festivals, productions and training programmes, it has established itself as a prominent platform for artistic excellence and cultural exchange across the region.
Supporting the initiative as title sponsor, Botim is reinforcing its commitment to helping people stay connected to the communities and experiences that matter most to them. Serving millions of users worldwide, the platform has become a widely used service connecting people across borders through communication and financial solutions.